About

This restaurant is permanently closed. While PUBLIC’s cuisine is a fusion of flavors from around the world, the restaurant’s vibe is unmistakably Manhattan. Located on a tree-lined street in Nolita, this airy modern-minimalist eatery exudes sophisticated charm with details like library card catalogs, old-fashioned mailboxes, a large flowering tree and a cozy back lounge with a fireplace.

The Australasian cuisine inspired by Executive Chef Brad Farmerie’s London training and travels through Australia, New Zealand, and the East features a menu that “knows no ethnic borders.” The restaurant was awarded a coveted Michelin Star in the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 New York Guides. PUBLIC also received a myriad of awards for its design, including ‘Best Restaurant Graphics’ and ‘Best Restaurant Design’ by the James Beard Foundation.

Love this spot- it covers the whole spectrum in a dining experience. You could go there for a casual brunch, a date, a special occasion- and fit it to any event. We went for a blowout knowing that they'll be closed down for the next 2 years and enjoyed the tasting menu. Instead of just falling off- knowing that there was only a week to go- they had fun experimental dishes like the seafood trio with lobster, himachi and fried oyster. The giant prawn was amazing- an entree in its own right- almost perfectly cooked. Their cocktails are unexpected- my Dirty Martini was a hot pink surprise with a pickled quail egg that infused every sip... Service was great, with some odd timing, but I'm used to Brooklyn service so compared to that: out of the park! Whenever a great city restaurant closes, I can only look at the gap it left and wish I had gone more- nothing new there, but certainly glad I got in before the doors closed at Public!

My friends and I love the Public, and we were sincerely put out to hear that they would be closing this summer. We immediately made brunch and dinner reservations for their last months.

The food has always been wonderful, both creative and satisfying, as well as being unique items that you can't find just anywhere. But most of all, the atmosphere and service has always been stupendous. It' has a vibe that's classy yet also completely chill and no-pressure. We love getting the wine option with the tasting menu, because we always feel that our experience and knowledge is being expanded but never in a way that makes us feel lost or condescended to. For our last dinner, we ended up being there for five hours from start to finish, with courses and wine arriving with perfect timing that never left us either bereft or rushed. And honestly, for what we got, both food/wine and time/experience-wise, the value was spectacular.

We sat by the open area. Perfect weather with a nice breeze. The waiter was great and the food was excellent. But I heard they are closing in 30 days. So hurry up and make a reservation and eat there before they're gone for good. You won't be disappointed.

Went for date night. Food was mediocre, felt overpriced. Service incredibly subpar. Steak was too rare and server never checked on food or cared to make sure it was prepared as requested. Not deserving of its Michelin star.